By Tim Dudding, at Withdean

Albion's FA Youth Cup dream is over after a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Withdean.

The gulf in resources between the two sides was vast, with the Toffees boasting several players with Europa League experience.

Steve Brown's side were far from overrun by their Premiership visitors, but Everton secured a fifth round tie at Preston thanks to two second-half goals.

It was a nervy start from Albion, and the visitors enjoyed the early chances.

A mix up between Mitch Walker and Lewis Dunk almost allowed Ross Barkley to capitalise, but James Smith headed off the line, before Shane Duffy shaved the post with a downwards header from Nathan Craig's inswinging corner.

But having settled into the game, Albion created their first chance when Ryan Thomson threaded a delightful ball through to George Barker, but the striker fired his shot narrowly wide.

Midway through the second half Barkley escaped down the right and delivered a superb cross to the far post, but Craig lashed his volley wildly over the bar.

Craig had another effort on goal from a similar position minutes later, and when his low drive ricocheted off Jamie Strong's arm as he desperately tried to block the shot, referee Alex Neil pointed to the spot.

The Albion players protested, but Duffy calmly stroked the spot-kick past Walker to give Everton the lead.

With time running out Smith almost forced an equaliser when his powerful cross had Toffees keeper Adam Davies back-peddling to only just stop the ball from crossing the line.

Substitute Thomas Donegan could have put the game beyond the Seagulls as he charged through the middle, but Walker came off his line brilliantly to block the striker's effort.

But the visitors did seal it when Craig's low cross made it through to the far post and Adam Forshaw had a simple tap-in from six yards.

Albion: (4-4-2) Walker; Strong, Dunk, Sheriff, Smith; Redwood, Wilkins (Vickers 65), Thomson, Caskey; Barker, Hider (Woodley 87). Subs not used: James (JK), Bolwell, Hayward.